Paddington

Paul King (2) (2014)

91min

PG Certificate

Review

Our Score

by Leslie Felperin

Director Paul King (Bunny & the Bull) could have betrayed the essence of Michael Bond's much-loved character by modernising the setting and plot, but, have no fear, Paddington is a class act. After a prologue set in darkest Peru, the eponymous young bear (beautifully voiced by Ben Whishaw) moves into the west London household of the Brown family (led by parents Hugh Bonneville and Sally Hawkins). Although mishaps aplenty soon ensue, Paddington eventually wins their affections. But can they keep him safe from the clutches of a mysterious, stiletto-heeled taxidermist (Nicole Kidman) who's hellbent on adding his hide to a collection at the Natural History Museum? While children will break out in fits of giggles over the well-timed slapstick sequences, adults will probably relish the wink-wink grown-up jokes and sly visual references to film-makers such as Wes Anderson and Jacques Demy. At its heart, though, this is a thrillingly, lovingly, deeply British film, as comforting as Christmas pantomimes, double-decker buses and hot milky tea.

Summary

An earthquake forces a bear from the Peruvian jungle to start a new life in London. He finds modern Britain to be very different from the stories told to him by his aunt, but makes a new home with a kindly family. However, a sinister taxidermist intends to turn him into a museum exhibit. Comedy based on Michael Bond's series of children's books, starring Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins and Nicole Kidman, with the voice of Ben Whishaw.

Cast & Crew

Paddington Bear Ben Whishaw

Mr Henry Brown Hugh Bonneville

Mrs Mary Brown Sally Hawkins

Millicent Nicole Kidman

Mrs Bird Julie Walters

Mr Gruber Jim Broadbent

Mr Curry Peter Capaldi

Joe Matt Lucas

Grant Kayvan Novak

Jonathan Brown Samuel Joslin

Judy Brown Madeleine Harris

Uncle Pastuzo Michael Gambon

Aunt Lucy Imelda Staunton

Andre the Thief Matt King

Man at Paddington Station Michael Bond (2)

Head of Geographer's Guild Geoffrey Palmer

Receptionist Alice Lowe

Paddington security chief Steve Oram

Montgomery Clyde Tim Downie

Security guard Simon Farnaby

Director Paul King (2)

Other Information

Language: EnglishColourTheatrical distributor: Studio CanalAvailable on: DVD and Blu-rayReleased on: 28 Nov 2014

Comedy Children's Drama

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